‘RETIRE ALREADY!’ DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI TEARS INTO MO SALAH AFTER EGYPT’S WORLD CUP DISPLAY AGAINST BELGIUM FOLLOWING POOR PERFORMANCE
The 2026 World Cup has been rocked by controversy after reports claimed Dominik Szoboszlai launched a brutal attack on Mohamed Salah following Egypt’s draw with Belgium, with particular focus on the forward’s underwhelming display.
Egypt left the match with a valuable point, but the performance itself has sparked concern, frustration, and fierce debate over their attacking sharpness on the biggest stage.
And once again, Mohamed Salah is at the centre of attention.
Belgium controlled large spells of the game, dictating tempo and forcing Egypt into long periods without meaningful possession. While Egypt showed defensive discipline and resilience, their attacking output was inconsistent and lacked cutting edge.
Salah, leading the line as captain, endured a difficult evening.
Closely marked and often forced into deeper positions, the Egyptian star struggled to find space in dangerous areas. His involvement in the final third was limited, and Egypt’s attacking sequences frequently broke down before reaching decisive moments.
Although he showed occasional flashes of quality, Egypt’s overall attacking rhythm never fully clicked.
By full-time, frustration was evident on the pitch and in the stands.
But the biggest talking point came after the match.
According to explosive reports circulating across European football media, Szoboszlai was highly critical of Salah’s performance, allegedly questioning whether the Egyptian forward delivered enough in a high-pressure international fixture.
The reported remarks spread quickly, igniting a heated debate across social media platforms.
“He has to do more in games like this.”
That alleged comment alone was enough to divide opinion instantly.
Salah supporters rushed to defend him, pointing to his long-standing record of carrying Egypt’s attack almost single-handedly for years and arguing that one difficult performance should not define his contribution.
Others, however, insisted that elite international football demands consistent impact from star players, especially in tightly contested matches against top opposition like Belgium.
The discussion quickly escalated beyond the match itself.
Was this a fair critique of a subdued performance, or an unnecessary attack on one of Africa’s greatest ever footballers?
Inside the Egypt camp, the focus reportedly remains on maintaining unity and avoiding distractions from external narratives. Officials are said to be keen to keep attention on the remaining group fixtures rather than post-match controversy.
From a tactical perspective, Egypt struggled to build sustained attacking pressure. Belgium’s midfield control and defensive organisation limited space between the lines, forcing Egypt into rushed transitions and low-quality final passes.
Despite that, the draw keeps Egypt competitive in the group and still in control of their qualification hopes.
For Belgium, it was a controlled but slightly frustrating performance, as dominance in possession did not translate into a winning goal.
Still, the footballing story has been overshadowed.
Szoboszlai’s alleged comments have intensified scrutiny on Salah’s role at international level, where expectations remain extremely high every time he steps onto the pitch.
Former players and analysts remain divided. Some argue Salah continues to be Egypt’s most dangerous attacking threat regardless of output, while others believe the team must find more collective solutions in decisive moments.
For Salah, the situation is familiar.
Throughout his career, he has faced criticism after quieter performances, only to respond with strong displays in subsequent matches. His record and influence for Egypt remain significant, even when the spotlight turns harsh.
And once again, after a single difficult night against strong opposition, the debate surrounding his role has returned to the forefront of world football discussion.